Why Inflatable Kayaks?

Why Choose an Inflatable Kayak versus a Rigid Kayak?

Find out why more people are choosing an inflatable kayak as opposed to a rigid kayak than ever before.  In this article we hope to answer the question; "why an Inflatable Kayak"?

  

Here are some good reasons why more people are choosing a portable kayak as opposed to a rigid kayak:

1. They don’t want the hassle or the worry of having to hoist their kayak up and tying it securely to their car’s roof rack.

 2.   They like the fact of how easy inflatable kayaks are to store. They can store them in a carry on storage bag and  keep it in the trunk of  their car or in a closet at their home, taking up very little space.  Great if you live in a townhouse, condo or apartment.

3.   If they travel, they like the fact that they can bring their portable kayak with them, even take them on an             airplane.
 

     

4.   They like the fact how easy a portable kayak is to maintain: let it dry, then fold it up and put it away. 

 
5.   They like the fact that they can go kayaking in a moment’s notice, from their car trunk to paddling in a
     moment’s notice.

6.    They like the fact of how affordable inflatable kayaks really are.

These are all good reasons for choosing an inflatable over a rigid kayak, but there are still more reasons why.  So read on to learn more about how sturdy, safe, easy to setup, the many styles there are and finally how well they perform versus a rigid kayak.

1. Inflatable kayaks are far sturdier than one would imagine.  They are made with tough durable material that you can literally hit with the sharp edge of a claw hammer.  There are portable kayaks that are made with the same material used in boats that the US Coast Guard and Rescue Crews use on a regular basis.  You have top quality kayaks such as those made by Sea Eagle and Innova Kayaks that offer nothing but the best materials to construct their kayaks.  For example, Sea Eagle Kayaks are constructed of tough 1,000 denier polyester-supported high-pressure fabric with quadruple-thickness electronic-welded seams.  They torture test their boats by pounding them mercilessly with the claw of a claw hammer.  It had no effect.  Neither did stabbing it with a screwdriver.  On the other Hand Inflatable kayaks from Innova Kayaks are made of the same material used in high-end Zodiac type yacht tenders that the US Coast Guard use on a regular basis.  Made with rugged rubber-coated Nitrylon (1200-denier Nitrylon™ - No PVC!) on the outer hull and LitePack material on the interior and they too test their kayaks meccilessly for puncture and abrasion wear and tear.  You don’t have to worry about bumping or scraping your kayaks at the docks.

 

2. You will also find out that there is a large range of sizes and styles of inflatable kayaks.  You have kayaks made for White-water – up to class IV, Touring kayaks or kayaks for fishing, ocean surfing and more.  So there are kayaks that meet everyone’s needs and skill levels.

 

3. They are extremely easy to set up and fun to use. A portable Kayak from just about any manufacture there is can be setup, or put away in its bag, in less than 20 minutes - honest!
   
   Compared with folding kayaks (which also travel well), boat setup time is quicker and easier (Innova, Sea Eagle, Advance Element kayaks to name a few set up in under 10 minutes...and you won't need a degree in engineering – you can do it with just a manual foot bellow pump).

       

 Now Compared with rigid kayaks, in the time it takes to rig your roof rack and tie down your boat, you could have been out kayaking an hour ago.

4.  They are safe with Easy Entry & Greater Stability (think stable and forgiving)
Inflatable kayaks have multiple air chambers for redundancy which results in greater stability than rigid boats. With additional stability, you have: Greater ease getting back aboard: unlike rigid kayaks, inflatable kayaks are very easy to get into from the water; and less tendency to capsize in difficult paddling conditions. 

 

6. Performance:  Inflatable kayaks don’t shy away from their counter parts the rigid kayak when it comes to performance.  In the 1997 San Juan Challenge an Innova Helios II (as the only inflatable entry) won its section, averaging 3 knots.  In a 25-knot headwind, it was faster (by ½ a knot) than the rigid sea kayaks in the race.  In calm water, it was slower (by ½ a knot) than those same boats.  So it will keep up with a rigid kayak – not necessarily outperform it every time but on an occassion…

 

Of course the quality of inflatable kayaks can vary greatly. Typically the more you are willing to spend, the better the portable kayak you are going to get, but that doesn’t mean that a cheaper model won’t serve you well.

We don’t think it is realistic to expect an inflatable kayak to paddle as fast as some of the streamlined rigid kayaks but as it was stated it will hold its own with some, but it will offer you great convenience, comfort and a lot of fun.

We believe they are a great investment for any family, individual or couple. Portable Kayaks are very stable, Sturdy, solid and work well with dogs too!  The great thing about inflatable kayaks is that there are lots of choices and no matter what your criteria, you are sure to find the portable kayak that suits your needs and skill level.

If you love to paddle, love to travel and are looking for a convenient and affordable way to get out on the water then an inflatable kayak is an excellent way to go.

Point to Remember

One more thought.  Inflatable boats and kayaks have been around for a while – your Coast Guard and search and rescue people use them all the time…  But like any boat or kayak you buy, common sense must always come into play when paddling any boat or kayak.  Always wear a life vest when out on the water.